Over-the-counter and prescription treatments available for addressing macular degeneration through eye drops
In the ongoing quest to find effective treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), research continues to progress. Here's a summary of the current status of various promising treatments, including peptide-based therapies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and atorvastatin eye drops.
Anti-VEGF treatments remain the cornerstone for wet AMD treatment. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, such as aflibercept (Eylea), have shown sustained visual and anatomical benefits. Eylea has demonstrated long-lasting VEGF suppression, allowing for extended dosing intervals, maintaining or improving best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and retinal anatomy over years [3]. New sustained-release formulations like Duravyu are in late-stage development, aiming for 6-month dosing intervals via intravitreal injection, potentially reducing treatment burden [1][5].
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor eye drops like EXN407 are an area of active research. EXN407, a selective SRPK1 inhibitor that modulates VEGF isoforms via alternative mRNA splicing, is in Phase IIb trials for diabetic eye diseases (non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema), which share pathophysiological features with AMD. Administered as an eye drop twice daily, EXN407 has shown promising safety, tolerability, and efficacy as a potential non-invasive alternative to injections [4]. While its current trials target diabetic eye disease, its mechanism suggests potential applicability to AMD in future studies.
Regarding peptide-based therapies, there is no recent clinical trial data or updates available, leaving their status unclear or not prominently advanced in clinical development at present.
As for atorvastatin eye drops, there is no mention of recent clinical progress or ongoing trials involving this statin drug as an eye drop formulation for AMD in the provided sources. Although statins have been investigated in systemic form for AMD risk modification historically, topical atorvastatin is not currently reported as a leading candidate in clinical development for AMD treatment in 2025.
It's important to note that most cases of AMD are dry AMD, which occurs when the layers of the macula become thinner and cause a gradual decline in the macula's function. In the intermediate stage of dry AMD, people can take the AREDS 2 supplement to stop the condition from progressing. For people with intermediate AMD, a doctor may recommend the AREDS 2 supplement, which contains most of the nutrients that can lower a person's risk of late stage AMD, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, copper, and zinc [2]. These nutrients are found in various foods such as bell peppers, citrus fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, red and orange vegetables, potatoes, shellfish, beef, pumpkin seeds, and fortified cereals.
In the wet form of AMD, when new blood vessels develop behind the retina, known as choroidal neovascularization, anti-VEGF drugs are available and slow the progression of AMD, potentially improving vision. Vision improves in one-third of individuals who receive these drugs [2]. When the wet form of the condition occurs, a person is often in the late stages of AMD, as they may originally have dry AMD that progresses into wet AMD.
Other potential options include TKIs, which are being investigated as a potential treatment for wet AMD in eye drop form [1]. A 2021 animal study compared TKIs to aflibercept injections for wet AMD and found both treatments had similar efficacy [1].
While some prescription eye drops are in development for AMD, no over-the-counter (OTC) drops have been proven to specifically treat AMD. Managing AMD often involves steps to adapt to changing vision levels and to prevent AMD from progressing wherever possible, such as using vision aids, mobility aids, and vision rehabilitation.
In summary, anti-VEGF intravitreal treatments remain the mainstay with ongoing improvements, including sustained-release injections. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor eye drops like EXN407 are emerging candidates but target diabetic retinopathy at present, which might inform AMD therapy development later. There is limited or no recent evidence supporting peptide-based therapies or atorvastatin eye drops in clinical trials for AMD at this time [1][3][4][5].
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7572557/ [2] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/age-related-macular-degeneration/treatment/ [3] https://www.healio.com/ophthalmology/retina/news/online/%7B9b0a8e2d-e62f-43a8-8167-0e13c8d4e364%7D/fda-approves-duravant-sustained-release-eye-drop-for-diabetic-macular-edema [4] https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/04/new-drug-could-help-treat-eye-diseases-linked-diabetes [5] https://www.healio.com/ophthalmology/retina/news/online/%7B79c0f12b-870a-4382-8254-436a8c4a40d1%7D/clinical-trial-data-for-new-amd-treatment-to-be-presented-at-aao-2021
- The ongoing quest for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) treatments has reached various promising peptide-based therapies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and atorvastatin eye drops.
- Antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments, such as aflibercept (Eylea), remain the primary approach for wet AMD, with sustained benefits observed over years.
- New sustained-release formulations like Duravyu, aiming for 6-month dosing intervals, are in late-stage development for AMD treatment, potentially reducing treatment burden.
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitor eye drops, like EXN407, are being researched for their potential in both diabetic eye diseases and AMD, demonstrating promising safety, tolerability, and efficacy.
- Despite no recent clinical trial data, peptide-based therapies remain under investigation for their possible role in AMD treatment, though their current status is unclear.
- Atorvastatin eye drops, a statin drug formulation, do not appear to be a leading candidate in the ongoing clinical development for AMD treatment.
- In the intermediate stage of dry AMD, the AREDS 2 supplement, containing vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, copper, zinc, and various other nutrients, can help slow the progression of the condition.
- Wet AMD, characterized by the development of new blood vessels behind the retina, can be treated with anti-VEGF drugs to slow its progression and potentially improve vision.
- TKIs, being investigated as potential eye drop treatments for wet AMD, have shown similar efficacy as aflibercept injections in animal studies.
- Prescription eye drops are in development for AMD treatment, while no over-the-counter drops have been proven to specifically treat AMD.
- Managing AMD often involves adaptive strategies, such as using vision aids, mobility aids, and vision rehabilitation, to address changing vision levels and prevent progression.
- Some medical conditions, including Alzheimer's, HIV, dry eyes, psoriasis, blindness, depression, spondylitis, migraines, obesity, and other health- and wellness-related issues, may impact eye health and warrant additional considerations in AMD treatment.
- Science and medical research continue to seek predictive markers and effective treatments for AMD and other Age-Related eye-health concerns, aiming to improve vision outcomes and enhance overall health and wellness for seekers worldwide.
